August 27, 2014 at 6:25 AM (PT)

Actors, voice-over talent and poker players who turned out to support the SCREEN ACTORS GUILD FOUNDATION’s DON LAFONTAINE Voice-Over Lab included POWERS BOOTHE, JOE CIPRIANO, SHARON LAWRENCE, FRED MELAMED, PAUL PAPE and RANDY THOMAS. When guests weren’t ante-ing up, they flocked to the Flight Simulator sponsored by NEW TRAILS PRODUCTIONS, played in other casino-styled games, mugged for free shots in the photobooth, and danced the night away under a canopy of vintage aircraft. Party guests entered the big raffle with over 21 exclusive items and walked away with everything from a private IMAX screening to a Portable Recording Studio (valued at $3500). The two “Pilot” sponsors of the Poker Classic were BENZTOWN and NEW TRAILS PRODUCTIONS along with “Co-Pilot” sponsors INTEGRATED WEALTH MANAGEMENT and JIM TASKER, VIP suite sponsor EDGE STUDIOS, and more.

“It was a fierce night, filled with friendship and more poker faces than I care to remember! The unity of this group is something to behold, and they definitely know how to have a good time!” said Host ROBERT HAYS.

“The first time we did this was in my backyard, so we’ve definitely moved up,” said Co-Founder of the DON LAFONTAINE Voice-Over Lab JOE CIPRIANO. “This event is how we’re able to continue to offer all of our workshops, seminars and everything we do at the DON LAFONTAINE Voice-Over Lab for free for anyone who’s into voiceover.”

“DON [LAFONTAINE] and I played in a poker game for 15 years with a group of actors and we had so much fun over the years, it was natural to create this fundraiser for the Lab that also captures the spirit of Don,” said SAG Foundation Board Member and Co-Founder of the DON LAFONTAINE Voice-Over Lab PAUL PAPE.

Before the tournament began, POWERS BOOTHE confided, “It’s a lot of fun here, but people do get competitive. It’s almost like saying... ‘I’m gonna beat you out of that role!’” BOOTHE proceeded to place second overall in the tournament, winning a package including a 2-night stay at the NOBU HOTEL at CAESARS PALACE LAS VEGAS.

The Grand Prize winner of the tournament was voice-over artist and actress JULIE MARCUS. MARCUS won a package including a 3-night stay at the HILTON LOS CABOS, two first class tickets on UNITED AIRLINES, a Dunkin’s Diamonds watch and more.